Ritney Sutton
Ritney Sutton is currently a Project Management Consultant within Optum, where she contributes to enterprise initiatives focused on Workforce technology optimization, change enablement and operational excellence. Known for her strategic problem-solving skills and strong blend of business and technical expertise, Sutton specializes in transformational growth, implementing innovative technology solutions, and scalable programs that strengthen global capabilities across the healthcare landscape. Her work centers on driving measurable performance improvements while aligning cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact outcomes for both the organization and the communities it serves.
Sutton’s journey with Optum began in an unexpected and deeply personal way. After completing her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Phoenix, she spent time as a stay-at-home mother before experiencing a life transition that required her to reenter the work life. A chance encounter at a grocery store led to a conversation being overheard by a senior leader from OptumRx, who later encouraged her to apply for an opportunity within the company. What began as an unexpected moment quickly evolved into a meaningful career path. Sutton often reflects on the experience as both fortunate and purposeful, marking the beginning of a professional journey that has grown alongside her passion for healthcare innovation and service.
Over the past decade, Sutton has advanced through several key roles at Optum—including Business Intelligence Partner, Project Coordinator, Business Process Analyst, Senior Business Analyst, and Change Management Consultant—before stepping into her current position as Project Management Consultant. She holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute and is also a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner. With a Six Sigma Green Belt and a commitment to lifelong learning, she continues to expand her expertise while mentoring others and guiding enterprise-wide initiatives. Sutton credits Optum’s collaborative culture and strong support system for enabling her growth and providing opportunities to further her education, develop leadership skills, and contribute to shaping the technological future of healthcare.
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Change Practitioner
• Agile Certification - Project Management
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
• Specialist in Fitness Nutrition
• University of Phoenix - BSHA
• Building Better Moms
What do you attribute your success to?
As a wife and mother of 5 children (3 of which are girls), I am deeply committed to supporting my family. The majority of my success is attributed to them. I also value the independence that comes from building something that is truly my own, my career. The work I do — the effort, the learning, the growth — reflects who I am and what I’m capable of accomplishing.
I’m a strong advocate for pushing beyond. I believe that when we stop challenging ourselves, we become stagnant. Growth evolves by staying curious, expanding our skills, and stepping into spaces that stretch us. There’s a pure sense of fulfillment that comes from achieving significant milestones, feeling aligned with your purpose, and knowing the value you bring makes a meaningful difference.
Those decisions and moments — where impact meets purpose — raising children for the future — that is what drives my passion to succeed.
A senior leader once told me, ‘If you’re not feeling uncomfortable in your role, it’s time for a change.’ That advice really stuck with me. Discomfort isn’t a warning sign; it’s your intuition guiding you toward the next chapter — realizing that you’re ready to progress and develop a greater version of yourself.”
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always push yourself out of your comfort zone. Don’t wait for the “right time” to take a leap or make the next move. We often hinder ourselves because we naturally fear change. If you feel uncomfortable, take the risk and continue to educate yourself along the way. Never be afraid to ask questions and be intentional with your actions.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Jump in head first, keep an open mind and network. Find people that you connect with, find people that can help mentor you and help you grow as a person. Seek multiple avenues to gain experiences in and opportunities to expand your knowledge. If you're in a company with diverse operations, try and find different ways to figure out what you like the most, but don't put all your eggs in one basket. Also, educate yourself as much as you can on AI. That is the way of the future, and enterprises now leverage AI more than ever.
As you start settling into a role, routinely think about “how can I be more efficient” , “how can I improve what I’m doing”, or “Is what I’m doing drive value”. Being proactive rather than reactive is key. You’ll save a lot of time with that mentality, and time = money.
I also express to everyone that there are no dumb/silly questions. There’s a lot of value in understanding the work you do, the delivery & goals behind it, and the impact your work has on others; and speaking of others — grow your EQ! Emotional Intelligence is one of the top traits that makes someone a great leader, effectively influences people and enables positive change.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is here whether we’re ready for it or not. Our enterprise requires forward thinking, and it's important to educate yourself as much as you can on AI. One of the priorities Optum values is that any of the AI tools or platforms we utilize undergoes a strict, comprehensive quality assessment before we make a decision to use them. My closing advice is even if the company you work for makes a decision, still do your own research, make sure you feel comfortable with what you're doing, and it’s backed by quality.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, compassion, inclusion and being authentic are most important to me. My morals and standards are non-negotiable. I think it’s essential to be ethically sound and to be kind, especially in the world we live in today. We must be thoughtful and mindful of others, in addition to giving back to the community. Our values should never waiver between personal versus work life. To me, that seams as if you’re not being true to principles you believe in.